DAZN Acquires EverPass Media For U.S. Commercial Venues

Global sports streaming platform DAZN announced its acquisition of EverPass Media, a three-year-old media technology company specializing in distributing live sports and events to commercial establishments across the United States. The financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed by DAZN. EverPass was co-founded by RedBird Capital Partners, the NFL's strategic investment arm 32 Equity, and TKO Group Holdings, which is the parent company of WWE and UFC. These entities, including RedBird Capital, 32 Equity, and early EverPass investor TKO Group, are expected to become shareholders in DAZN following the completion of the deal. EverPass's core business model focuses on providing a technology solution that enables bars, restaurants, hotels, and other public venues to legally broadcast major sporting events, thereby enhancing customer experience and driving foot traffic. This acquisition marks a significant strategic move for DAZN as it aims to expand its reach within the U.S. market, particularly in the out-of-home viewing sector. By integrating EverPass's established network and technology, DAZN seeks to bolster its presence in venues where live sports are a key draw. The company's strategy involves leveraging EverPass's existing relationships with venue owners and operators to offer a more comprehensive sports viewing package. This move is anticipated to strengthen DAZN's position in the competitive sports media landscape, offering a dual approach of direct-to-consumer streaming and business-to-business venue distribution. The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. DAZN, founded in 2015, has been actively pursuing strategies to grow its subscriber base and revenue streams in a challenging global sports rights market. The company has previously explored various content acquisition and partnership models to differentiate itself from competitors. EverPass Media, established in 2021, has quickly built a reputation for its innovative approach to sports distribution in commercial settings, addressing the complexities of licensing and technical delivery for high-demand live events. The partnership with RedBird Capital, a prominent investment firm with significant stakes in sports and media properties, and 32 Equity, which represents the NFL's strategic interests, underscores the perceived value and potential of EverPass's business. The inclusion of TKO Group, a major player in sports entertainment, as an early investor and future shareholder further highlights the synergistic opportunities presented by this transaction. This acquisition is expected to be completed in the coming months, pending the satisfaction of all necessary conditions.